Article~Look Beyond the Labels of Autism, Says Speaker

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Look Beyond the Labels of Autism, Says Speaker

September 10, 2008

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – Professor Temple Grandin knows her brain is wired differently than other people.

A professor of animal science at Colorado State University, Grandin has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. A best-selling author and advocate for the humane treatment of livestock, she is said to be one of the most accomplished adults with autism in the world. But it might be best to avoid using the term in front of her.

“Don’t get hung up on these labels – autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, ADHD. I get worried about really smart kids getting held back by these labels,” said Grandin, who was the keynote speaker for the President’s Convocation at Illinois Wesleyan University on Wednesday, Sept. 10 in Westbrook Auditorium of Presser Hall. The Convocation marks the official beginning of the 2008-2009 academic year.

Hear her address or download it from iTunes.

http://www2.iwu.edu/CurrentNews/newsreleases08/spk_Grandin_0908.shtml